'Ex-Gay' Therapy Ban Advances in Illinois

The Illinois House Human Services committee advanced a bill yesterday that would ban the discredited and dangerous junk science practice of "ex-gay" therapy from being offered to minors. The vote was 9-6.

The measure sponsored by Chicago Democratic Rep. Kelly Cassidy prohibits mental health providers from providing the therapy to anyone who is under age 18.

Gay and lesbian advocacy group Equality Illinois is applauding the bill. The group says in a statement that Illinois should be a leader in protecting youth from "false and potentially dangerous treatment."

Bernard Cherkasov, the Equality Illinois CEO, added: "This bill would ensure that the most vulnerable individuals, those already struggling in the face of homophobia and transphobia, are not targeted and subjected to a practice that medical practitioners deem harmful and inappropriate."

Predictably, Illinois anti-LGBT groups are opposed to the measure, saying that all those innocent kids who are turned gay against their will through sexual abuse (which, of course, can't actually happen) will no longer be able to pray away the gay in their counselor's office (which, of course, they can't actually do). But think of the children!!

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